Manie a must for Stormers’ quest against Glasgow

The little bit of rust shown at stages of their game against Glasgow Warriors by the Hollywoodbets Sharks Springboks might weigh a bit on DHL Stormers coach John Dobson’s mind but it shouldn’t deter him from returning Manie Libbok to his starting team.

While the Sharks’ Boks returned to action after what was effectively a two week break - two weeks off and then a training week - following their last international outing against Argentina in Mbombela, the Stormers Boks had an extra week.

Saturday’s crucial final game of this initial phase of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship against Glasgow in Stellenbosch will be the first time that all the Stormers top line players will be available this season.

As it turns out, injuries have reduced the number of players that might otherwise have been returning. Plus Ben-Jason Dixon, who was released from the Bok squad during the week in Nelspruit, has been back in Stormers colours since the start of the URC.

So it is effectively only Libbok and first choice Bok tighthead Frans Malherbe that return to the Stormers selection mix for the Danie Craven Stadium game.

Libbok’s return has been couched as a quandary for Dobson, as Damian Willemse played flyhalf in the 34-19 win over Munster at the DHL Stadium and produced a commanding performance that rightfully earned him the man of the match award.

Willemse’s performance, with the question marks over his goalkicking being erased by his accuracy from the tee, should have pleased not just Dobson but also Bok coach Rassie Erasmus.

It wasn’t that long ago that Willemse was wearing the Bok No 10 in the absence of Handre Pollard and at that stage Elton Jantjies before the emergence of Libbok and later Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as international class pivots.

Willemse excelled on the 2022 tour and if required can do a job at flyhalf for the Boks. It is the position where he played his school and most of his age group rugby.

THE OBVIOUS CHOICE AT NO 10

As it turns out, there is a chance that Dobson won’t be facing any selection dilemma after all.

Both Willemse and fullback Warrick Gelant took heavy knocks during the win over Munster. 

Should Gelant not be available to play in Stellenbosch, Willemse will be required at fullback.

And of course should Willemse be ruled out, then Libbok is the obvious choice at No 10.

On Monday afternoon the Stormers had yet to train, but assistant coach Rito Hlungwani appeared confident that both players would be okay and would be up for selection.

“We haven’t had a full session yet, we have just been busy with recovery today and meetings, but at the moment both the guys you mentioned are available to train,” said Hlungwani.

But even if both are available to play, it is highly unlikely that Libbok won’t return at flyhalf.

Willemse can easily be accommodated at inside centre, which may be a bit unfortunate for Dan du Plessis, who has captained the side well this season, but there is no denying Willemse’s class in every position he plays.

Libbok has played fullback in the past. He played there for the Sharks and the Bulls. But he is less easily accommodated elsewhere in the backline and is more of a specialist flyhalf.

More than that, he showed against Argentina for the Boks just how devastating his distribution skills and ability to play into space whether it be by passing or kicking can be.

If you think back to the best games the Stormers have played over the past few seasons Libbok’s X-factor has invariably been at the heart of it and it might not also be a coincidence that the less impressive performances have coincided with the days where he has either misfired or wasn’t present.


Things happen around Libbok and the Glasgow ability to compete in all facets of the game, as they showed against the Sharks, and produce try scoring opportunities out of nothing and convert them, which they also showed in Durban, means the Stormers will have to be at the top of their attacking game in Stellenbosch.

The question over how Malherbe should be accommodated is less of an issue. These days props often play one half of a game, and whether it is the first or the second half just depends on what the coach is looking for.

Neethling Fouche, who could come into the frame as captain should Willemse displace Du Plessis at No 12, has been part of a strong Stormers scrumming effort this season and he and Malherbe have successfully rotated roles in the past.

The Stormers team for the Glasgow game will be announced on Friday.